Fears for the future of the great GABSI

There are fears the Federal Government's budget will not allow room for one of the most successful environmental programs on offer in western Queensland.

The Great Artesian Basin Sustainability Initiative (GABSI) delivers federal and state funding to cap uncontrolled artesian bores and pipe open bore drains.

GABSI has worked in Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia and the Northern Territory. However, the program is only funded until the end of June.

Board member on the Great Artesian Basin Committee, Bill Bode, says the initiative has been operating very successfully for more than decade.

"In the last 15 years, we have saved over 200,000 mega litres of water, that's 200,000 full-sized swimming pools, every year that it's saved."

Mr Bode is hoping the Federal Government can commit $50 million to the initiative.

He says if the money doesn't come through, all the work done in the past could come to naught.

"If these bores aren't capped - they'll blow out, like some of the ones in the north at the moment. There are bores up there that still haven't been fixed that are flowing at over a million gallons a day. It's a complete waste of water.

"It is a good news story every way you look at it. Why would you not finish the job?"

Landholder Ashley Zischke, from Brendallan station near Longreach in western Queensland, has taken advantage of GABSI funding and says the benefits are enormous.

"I have had three experiences doing GABSI projects and it has enabled us to do work which we wouldn't have been able to afford ourselves.

"It has given us the chance to store water in tanks and troughs and supply cleaner water to cattle, instead of maintaining bore drains.

"I think it has a huge benefit. I know it is a big job and there is a lot of money involved but you just hear good reports about it."

Federal LNP Member for Maranoa Bruce Scott says he understand the importance of GABSI and will continue to fight for funding.

"I have made representation at the highest level to the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister, pointing out the absolute importance of ongoing funding for one of the best environmental programs we could invest in.

"I can't say I have had a wink and a nod, but I have had positive sounds, if I can put it that way.

"The Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister have both been to Longreach over the last four months and it was made very clear to them by communities that GABSI was one program that was almost a no-brainer in terms of environmental policy.